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Archive for the ‘Service Department’ Category

How to identify break problems on Honda vehicles

Friday, May 10th, 2013

Brakes are an incredibly important part of your Honda vehicle. Please make sure yours are working smoothly to ensure the safety of every passenger.

Brake Squeal and Wear Indicator

On Honda cars, all four brakes have audible brake wear indicators. So when your brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive metallic “screeching” sound when you apply the brakes. If you do not have the brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time. Do note that your brakes may sometimes squeak or squeal when you apply them lightly; don’t confuse this with the brake wear indicators. The brakes will make a very audible “screeching” noise.

Low Brake Fluid & Flushing the Brake Fluid

If your brake fluid is low, it may be leaking or brakes could be worn.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture. When that moisture finds its way into the braking system, it can corrode metal and seals. Flushing the system with new fluid removes the condensation before extensive damage occurs.

When you’re flushing the system, always use Honda Heavy Brake Fluid DOT 3. If this specific fluid is unavailable, only use DOT 3 or DOT 4 from a sealed container. However, only use these as a temporary solution. The use of any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and may decrease the life of your brakes.

Honda Genuine Brake Pads

Honda Genuine Brake Rotors function the best with Honda Genuine Brake Pads. Particularly since Honda brake pads are tested extensively on Honda vehicles in the most extreme situations and environments.

Now, it’s not only for this reason that Genuine Honda Brake Pads effectively help prevent premature disc wear and minimize noise. They’re also precisely engineered with state-of-the-art materials that produce superior performance, proper wear, long life, and are specifically designed to dampen noise and reduce vibrations.

Honda Genuine Brake Rotors

Brake rotors are vital to dissipating the heat that comes from the pads every time you use the brakes. Genuine Honda Brake Rotors are built to take that heat time for lasting performance and reliability. They’re made with the optimum mix of materials and compounds to safely withstand long periods of wear and to help prevent overheating and warping.

If your brakes show any of these signs, please contact our Honda Service Center in Austin by calling 512-443-4300.

Tags: Honda brake wear indicators, Honda break fluid, Honda break pads, Honda breaks, Honda genuine break rotors
Posted in Honda Safety, Honda Vehicles, Howdy Honda Safety Tips, Service Department, Vehicle Maintenance | Comments Off

What you ought to know about replacing your Honda’s tires

Sunday, January 6th, 2013

Rarely will an accident require you to replace all four tires. Usually, only one or two tires will have to be replaced, if any at all.

When you have to replace a tire, especially when you’re not going to be replacing the full set, you have to make sure you are getting the exact replacement in order to ensure your vehicle handles properly. This means that you no only have to get the same manufacturer, size, and model, but most importantly, the same vehicle manufacturer’s part number. Using any new or used tire will cause a miss-match that will result in less than optimal performance.

Honda works very closely with several tire manufacturers to produce an original equipment (OE) tire that optimizes the handling characteristics of your specific Honda. To do this, OE tires are engineered differently with stiffer casing, reinforced sidewall and tread design tuned for better handling. OE Honda tires are specifically designed for noise reduction, optimal handling, fuel economy, weather adaptability, and tire life.

Howdy Honda is equipped to provide you with the proper replacement tires for your Honda in Austin TX, or the proper information for you to secure the correct tire.

Tags: honda tires, honda tires austin, tires for honda in austin tx
Posted in Car Accessories, Honda Efficiency, Honda Models, Honda Safety, Honda Vehicles, Service Department | Comments Off

7 Reasons why you should insist on Honda Genuine Parts for your Honda

Saturday, January 5th, 2013

Whenever you need to replace a part on your Honda, a Genuine Honda part is the best choice. No matter what anyone else tells you, Genuine Honda parts will give you peace of mind for the following reasons:

1. Fit: Before assembly, all body parts look similar. However, once installed you might see a noticeable difference in the way the part fits. Non-Honda Genuine parts can leave unpleasant gaps between body panels, a sure sign a repair was made which can reduce your car’s value. On the contrary, a gap that is too small can make body panels rub together compromising the paint and making it easier for rust spots to appear.

2. Finish: Generally, “finish” refers to the paint job. Genuine Honda parts are treated with a special primer process that helps fight corrosion and promotes pain adhesion for the best possible finish.

3. Design: Honda designs its parts, both those that come with the car originally and replacement parts, with safety in mind. Many of these parts come with crush zones that allow the part to bend and crumple like an accordion, absorbing the energy of an impact, rather than transferring it into the cabin (where you and your passengers are).

4. Quality: As you know, what makes a Honda is the quality and engineering that goes into each and every part and system – all working in harmony so that your vehicle provides you with exceptional performance, safety, durability and value.

5. Safety: In the event of an accident, a Honda that was repaired with Honda Genuine parts is more likely to provide the level of safety and security that Honda built into the car. Genuine parts are Honda-designed and factory built for your specific Honda so crush zones will be able to absorb the impact.

6. Structural Integrity: All body components of a vehicle contribute to its structural integrity. Even things like windshields and doors help keep the structural integrity in a collision or roll-over. Each Honda Genuine part is designed to deliver the structural performance characteristics necessary to provide a safe and efficient vehicle.

7. Resale Value: Honda vehicles are known for their high resale value. When you use Genuine Honda parts, you are helping your car look new and helping it maintain its high value when you trade-in or sell.

You can order and purchase Genuine Honda parts in Austin TX here, at Howdy Honda.

Tags: genuine honda parts austin tx, honda oem parts, honda parts austin, original honda parts
Posted in Car Accessories, Honda Safety, Honda Vehicles, Service Department | Comments Off

Deer Driver: November is the most dangerous month for car vs. deer collisions

Monday, November 5th, 2012

Watch for these guys on the roadways this month.

While the probability is lower in Texas, car vs. deer collisions still happen often enough here. And the fact is, November is the most dangerous month when it comes to dealing with deer on the roadways. According to research done by State Farm, car vs. deer accidents are actually three times more likely to occur in November than any time between February and August.

With November being a risky month to be on the roads – and the fact that car vs. deer accidents are up in general this year – claims are no doubt higher as well. So now is a good time to avoid hitting a deer with your car – even more than usual. In that spirit, and as one of the leading car dealerships in Central Texas, here are some tips to remember when dealing with deer on the roads.

Deer travel in herds, so if you see one, keep in mind that more could come running out behind at any moment.
Deer are at their most active between 6 and 9 p.m.
Using high-beams at night is recommended, especially on country roads. This will give you the best chance of avoiding a collision with a deer.
If you can’t avoid a collision, stay in your lane as swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Watch for posted deer crossing signs – as these are obviously high traffic areas for deer.

While you can do your best to avoid car vs. deer collisions, please don’t swerve if a deer collision seems inevitable. You could loose control of your vehicle all together. If it does happen, remember that Howdy Honda offers the best Honda auto repair service near Buda TX and in Austin. We can get your car fixed up right and get you back on your way in a hurry.

Tags: car dealership central texas, honda auto repair
Posted in Howdy Honda Safety Tips, Howdy Honda Service, Service Department, Tips and Tricks | Comments Off

New service available at Howdy Honda: Auto Butler

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

Let me introduce you to the new polishing and paint protection service available at Howdy Honda: the Auto Butler!

As a new car owner, we know you want to keep your vehicle looking great so it maintains its resale value. However, pollutants like the sun’s rays, bird droppings, tree sap, oxidation, etc can really damage your car’s paint and its appearance. The Auto Butler Paint Protection program protects your vehicle from outdoor hazards and gives you that “new car finish” while maximizing your vehicle’s resale value.

The Auto Butler program is a two-step re-application process. Two distinct polishing and protection products are applied to the car and the it is run through the polishing machine to work these products on to the vehicle. Because no paint protection product lasts more than a year without re-application, the Auto Butler program includes a follow-up program where we will notify you every six months and schedule a re-application free of charge. This way we guarantee your vehicle has the protection it needs to prevent permanent damage to the car’s finish. Auto Butler also comes with a 3 or 5 year warranty that protects your vehicle against environmental damage, tree sap, bird droppings, fading and oxidation.

Check out the Auto Butler in action:

Tags: Auto Butler Austin TX, Auto Detailing Austin TX
Posted in Howdy Honda News, Howdy Honda Service, Service Department | Comments Off

5 things you ought to know about spark plugs

Friday, October 5th, 2012

1. What are spark plugs?

Spark plugs are small devices that go inside the cylinder and take high electricity voltage at one end and create a spark at the other end.

2. Why does my car need spark plugs?

The spark plugs play an essential role in the combustion engine, providing the spark needed to light the gas and air mixture which power the car.

3. Why do spark plugs need to get changed?

At the end of the spark plug end that gets screwed into the motor, there is a gap between two or more pieces of metal. Every time the plug fires, the spark jumps the gap, burning off a tiny portion of the metal in the process. Since this process happens hundreds of times every minute, the gap between the two pieces of metal eventually gets too big and the plug needs to be replaced.

Your plugs can also foul out, creating an instant issue for the engine as the cylinder will not be properly firing.

4. How often should I replace the spark plugs in my vehicle?

The type of spark plug used in your car’s engine will determine how long you can go before having them changed so it will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The Maintenance Minder on your Honda will let you know when it is time to replace them by displaying an A4 on your dashboard. Check with your mechanic at our Austin Honda service center.

5. What if I don’t replace the spark plugs?

When spark plugs are not replaced, the engine’s efficiency and performance decreases, emissions increase, and the car will run poorly; it even might be difficult to start.

A professional can determine whether your plugs need to be changed. Some people prefer to change their own, but you will need some tools and know how the process works before you attempt this. Screwing a spark plug in incorrectly can cause engine damage that could lead to further repairs. Howdy Honda certified technicians are the most skilled Honda auto repair specialists in Austin– give us a call at 512-443-4300.

Tags: honda austin service, Honda Auto Repair Austin, honda repair austin
Posted in Service Department, Tips and Tricks, Vehicle Maintenance | Comments Off

Design students develop tires of the future

Thursday, July 12th, 2012

University of Cincinnati School of Design students that designed the tires of the future.

When you think about it, tires really haven’t changed all that drastically through the years. But some design students at the University of Cincinnati’s School of Design are looking to change that. A class project has resulted in some serious possibilities for the future of car tires. The designs are so impressive that sponsor Hankook is keeping them under wraps until patents come through and it can show them off at 2012 SEMA in October.

“The students were asked to – and all did – change almost every aspect of the tire as well as propose concepts that more closely integrated the tire and rim,” said Professor Raphael Zammit.

To show just how innovative the new designs were, consider the winner. The entry, Tiltred, by Ben Zavala, uses three tires and rims where a single wheel would normally be. While we don’t know too many details, it is said to allow for greater road contact. With three tires instead of one, we can believe that is the case.

The second-place entry features a mechanized tire that would change for specific road conditions. The third-place entry is a replaceable tread that can be put on a tire. This would allow for the tread to be changed without disposing of a whole tire.

While there’s no way of knowing if these designs will reach production cars, they sure will be intriguing to see when 2012 SEMA rolls around.

Tags: tire design, tires
Posted in Howdy Honda News, Service Department, Sustainability, Vehicle Efficiency | Comments Off

5 Ways You Can Know It’s Time To Replace Your Tires

Saturday, July 7th, 2012

The penny test is a great one to remember.

Ensuring your tires are road-worthy is an obvious safety concerns, but your tire health can also have an effect on fuel mileage and how your car drives overall. Following are some pointers about tire wear and how to know when it is time to kiss your rubber biscuits goodbye and invest in a new set.

Replace your tires if any of the following occur:

1. They fail the penny test. A good test for tire wear is sticking a penny into the tread. If you can see President Lincoln’s entire head, then it is time to get a new set.

2. Metal is exposed. If you can actually see the metal wires in your car’s tires, it is time to change them immediately.

3. Your car pulls to one side or the other. While this is likely an alignment issue, the tires have been wearing unevenly while this has been going on. Have your tires checked as well as getting your car aligned properly.

4. The tires are 10+ years old. If tires have actually been on a vehicle this long, it is difficult to trust them anymore, as they can damage much more easily.

5. The season of your tires doesn’t match the outside. If it’s winter and you have summer tires on, you are going to want to make a change. If you don’t, you could find yourself out of control when the first storm hits. All-season tires are a good bet, as they are rated for all four seasons, as long as they aren’t worn out.

To keep yourself safe and improve longevity, make sure to check the tire’s air pressure. Underinflated tires are the leading cause of wear on tires. If you keep them at proper inflation, not only will they last longer, but your car will drive its best as well. Remembering that having your tires rotated will also increase their life, as front tires wear more quickly than rear. Keep these tips in mind – and remember – we carry tires at Howdy Honda, so you can purchase and install them in just one stop.

Tags: honda tires, tire pressure, tires for honda austin, tires for sale austin tx
Posted in Howdy Honda Safety Tips, Service Department, Tips and Tricks, Vehicle Maintenance | Comments Off

Everything You Ought to Know About Your Engine’s Timing Belt

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

Honda Service Center in Austin While many people do a good job changing their own oil or tires, there are important vehicle components, such as the timing belt, that need to be left to the professionals.

The timing belt is what allows the crankshaft to drive the camshaft, which opens and closes the valves, and without it, the engine can’t run.

For this reason, changing the belt when recommended is crucial to your Honda’s maintenance. For Hondas manufactured after 1997, this is every 105k miles (not 60k miles like many other cars). DO NOT try to squeeze the life out of the timing belt because it will eventually break and potentially damage your entire engine; meaning hundreds of dollars worth of auto repairs and possibly an entire new engine.

Your safe bet is to replace the belt every 105k miles. However, if you hear slapping sounds coming from the engine, bring the car in because the timing belt might be loose. You can also visually inspect the belt from time to time; you should look for cracks, shredding, excessive slack, or oil leaks from adjacent seals.

Rest assured that the small price you will pay to have the belt replaced could ultimately save your engine and save you a lot of money. Check your mileage and if your Honda is near the 105k, 210k, etc. -mile mark, bring it to the best Honda Service Center in Austin to get your timing belt replaced.

Tags: Honda maintenance, honda service center austin, Honda TIming Belt
Posted in Honda Vehicles, Howdy Honda Safety Tips, Howdy Honda Service, Service Department, Vehicle Maintenance | Comments Off

Are you a Sam’s Club member? Now you can get exclusive discounts at Howdy Honda

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

Howdy Honda is now part of the Sam's Club Auto Buying Program

We are very happy to inform that we are now part of the Auto Buying Program for Sam’s Club Members. This program provides Sam’s Club Members special pricing on the purchase of a Honda and on their service visits. Here’s how the Auto Buying Program works:

If you are purchasing a new or used Honda you can do one of two things: 1. Go to www.samsclubauto.com, check out our inventory and receive the special pricing, or 2) Come to Howdy Honda with your Sam’s Club membership card and we’ll get you the Honda you are looking for, at the special membership price. If you look at our inventory on the Auto Buying site, remember to bring your Sam’s Club membership card when you come to Howdy Honda.

If you need to bring in your Honda to our Service Department, also bring your Sam’s Club membership card and present it at the time of arrival as well as on the check out to receive your special service discount.

See? It’s super easy! The only thing you really need to remember is to bring your membership card and show it when you come in.

Tags: honda austin, sam's auto buying program, used cars austin, used honda austin
Posted in Honda’s Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program, Howdy Honda News, Howdy Honda Service, New Car Specials, New Honda Cars, Service Department, Service Specials, Used Car Specials | Comments Off

Howdy Honda Blog

Archive for the ‘Service Department’ Category

How to identify break problems on Honda vehicles

What you ought to know about replacing your Honda’s tires

7 Reasons why you should insist on Honda Genuine Parts for your Honda

Deer Driver: November is the most dangerous month for car vs. deer collisions

New service available at Howdy Honda: Auto Butler

5 things you ought to know about spark plugs

Design students develop tires of the future

5 Ways You Can Know It’s Time To Replace Your Tires

Everything You Ought to Know About Your Engine’s Timing Belt

Are you a Sam’s Club member? Now you can get exclusive discounts at Howdy Honda

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